Image Gallery
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Royal Naval Museum Collection
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Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historic Trust Collection
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Royal Navy Submarine Museum Collection
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Royal Marines Museum Collection
Crossing the Line
Crossing the Line Ceremony occurs when a ship crosses the Equator. Every member who crosses the Equator for the first time undergoes an initiation process. It is practised in many navies around the world, including the Royal Navy. Originally the tradition was created as a test for seasoned sailors to ensure their new shipmates were capable of handling long, rough periods at sea. It is a highlight of the ship’s tour and the whole ship’s company turns out to see the Ceremony.
This Gallery shows some of the certificates awarded for completing the induction and more photos of the ceremony itself. Learn more about the ceremony in “Crossing the Line across the Century” in the Navy’s People Section.
Submarine Pioneer Certificate
A Submarine Pioneer certificate awarded to Petty Officer Butcher whilst serving onboard the submarine HMS Pandora. The certificate is decorated with a photograph of HMS Pandora, as well as images of two natives bearing weapons, a mermaid, an octopus and a dragon. The certificate was granted to mark the submariner having spent fourteen days aboard Pandora, whilst submerged in the Pacific Sea near Singapore. The text mentions the terrible living conditions experienced by submariners in the tropics. As British submarines were not fitted with air conditioning, conditions in the heat and humidity of tropical regions were appalling. The crew often suffered from various skin complaints, such as prickly heat, ulcers, or cuts which turned septic and stayed so due to the foul conditions.
